WATCHSPOTTING: Which tennis player wears what in 2017?

Editor’s note: Whether they know it or not, anyone in a highly visible profession is likely to have their wristwear critiqued by a cadre of hardcore watch geeks. Politicans, actors and athletes are all fair game. Today in a special guest post, Paxton Wong casts his ever-watchful eye over the watch choices of some of the world’s best tennis players, just as the Australian Open heats up in week two.

They say tennis is all in the wrist. Perhaps here is where the secret lies? Looking a little closer, players appear to be balancing the weight of the racquet in hand with a timepiece on the other wrist. Should make sense – right?

Back in the day it was fashionable for a tennis player to wear a watch on court. Tennis was a gentleman’s game. Funnily enough, John McEnroe was associated with Omega’s titanium watches at a time. Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg wore Ebel, and they wore them when they played. Boris even wore a TAG Heuer Kirium, though these days he’s more often seen wearing IWC and the Cartier Calibre de Cartier Diver. For whatever reason, there’s always been a close relationship between watches and tennis. Perhaps it’s because they have some of the most watched wrists in the world. Over the period of January to February the world turns to Melbourne for the Australian Open to watch these players compete. As week two commences, there is a wealth of watchspotting to be had. Use your high definition displays wisely:

Roger Federer – Replica Rolex Datejust

Federer famously has a serious number of Rolexes to choose from. He’s keeping it low key with a Rolex Datejust at the Australian Open.

Serena Williams- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offhsore Chronograph

Long time AP-devotee Serena is wearing an iced-up rose gold ROO here (ref.26231OR.ZZ.D010CA.01. for those playing at home).

Kei Nishikori – TAG Heuer Golf Watch

Japan’s Kei Nishikori hits a shot during a practice session at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 15, 2016. The Australian Open tennis tournament starts January 18. REUTERS/David Gray

An interesting choice for a tennis player. This lightweight number has a clasp built into the watch and a titanium construction. Initially it was made for Tiger Woods.

Novak Djokavic – Seiko Astron

Novak Djokovic’s Seiko Astron is pretty recognisable (thanks to these ads). He’s recently been wearing the limited edition with his name on it.

David Ferrer – Bovet Tourbillon Ottanta

The Spanish player is endorsed by Bovet, and wears an Ottanta. Interesting choice, David.

Alexander Zverev – Richard Mille RM27-01

Zverev was snapped at the Hopman Cup wearing a Richard Mille RM27-01 that weighs 18.83g. Practical.

Rafael Nadal – Richard Mille RM 27-02

Rafa’s still wearing Richard Mille, but has moved up to the orange-accented RM 27-02

Sir Andy Murray – Rado no more

Recently knighted Andy Murray is no longer a Rado ambassador. There’s a slim to zero chance that’s a consequence of having his HyperChrome XXL set to the wrong time when he won Wimbledon in 2013. Or for momentarily misplacing his Rado D-Star 200 after winning the US Open in 2012.

Grigor Dimitrov – Rolex Explorer II

The winner of the Brisbane International 2017 wore an cheap fake Rolex Explorer II (black dial). Nice one Grigor.

Borna Ćorić – Hublot Big Bang Unico

Croatian young gun Borna is affiliated with Hublot (as you can guess from this picture), and wears a Big Bang Unico in titanium.